Sunday, 27 July 2014

While watching some of the exciting sport from Glasgow's Commonwealth Game, I was struck by the dedication and commitment needed to compete at this level. It made me think about how lapsed I've been in my dedication to my art. Just like the Commomwealth athletes and everyone else who has a gift, music, dance, writing, the gift isn't enough. It has to be nurtured, pushed for it to become the best you can be. I struggled with this wee seascape today, it's been pushed, wiped off, shouted at and there's a chance the next time I look at it consigned to the sin bin. I need to push myself harder at becoming more commited to my gift....use it or lose it is the battlecry...smile! ﻿

Friday, 25 July 2014

An Ayrshire moo enjoying cooling her feet in the burn that runs through her field....smile!

Well I managed to get to Irvine today to the Homebase store and pick up a fan. Really should have got two because now I have to move this one back and forth between the studio and downstairs. I shall pop back in the next few days. I have to say it's a pleasure to now having some fresh air circulating my workspace....smile. Buddy especially is enjoying the cool breeze although he wasn't to sure of it to begin with, bless him.
Well I hope you have a lovely weekend and thanks again for popping in....

Thursday, 24 July 2014

It's way too warm today again. Finding it very difficult to paint because of the heat, so tomorrow I'll have to have a look for a fan. Meanwhile a nice summery meadow for you to look at, without the risk of heatstroke....smile!

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

Finished off the wee oil by making that spot on the horizon a bit brighter.....added Cadmium Yellow Mid. Also added it to some of the clouds to give it a wee bit ooomph.
Commonwealth Games start this evening at Parkhead, Glasgow. Looking forward to it apart from the ridiculous team outfits our team are being forced to wear. Imagine training to get a spot on the team and having to wear this.....

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Peekaboo.......I'm back after having had a few computer glitches. Won't bore you all with the details but it's safe to say that there was much angst at the thought of losing precious images from my computer. Fortunately the problem lay not with my computer but my internet provider. Not that they notified me in anyway about it, I found out because my friend has the same provider and she also has her phoneline with them. It did frighten me enough to make me more careful about having everything backed up on discs and looking into buying an external drive to store my photos in....I know I can hear you all saying you should already be doing that.
In the past being unable to get online would have had me doing handstands, but it was only the fear off losing my photos that had me in a tizzy. It almost felt like, and your going to laugh at this, having an excuse not to go online, forget all about Facebook, Twitter blah de dah de dah and do OTHER things. Maybe just maybe after sixteen plus years I've finally become unprogrammed....smile! Early days off course, we are still in summer, where the outdoor beckons and I could still be tantalised back when the days shorten. But for now I shall try and keep it to a daily blog post......SMILE!

Sunday, 20 July 2014

My first attempt at a landscape in oils in what must be twenty years. In fact it probably is my first proper attempt at a landscape in oils ever. Twenty or so years ago my landscapes would be horses in a suggested background....with emphasis on suggested. I have much to learn but a basis on which to work on. And, let's face it with painting everyday is a learning curve.
The title as usual came for this one as I was painting it, though there have been times when the title has preceded the painting. This one when and if it get's finished will be called "Let's Go There". When my brother and I were young and Dad was on his two weeks holiday from work, the four of us used to get bundled into the car for day trips. Scotland being Scotland the weather wasn't always on or side. Like the painting it could be a little overcast and Dad would point to the bright spot on the horizon and say "Let's Go There!" and we would all laugh....smile!
Thanks as always for popping in and hope that some point there will have been a bright spot in your day...smile!

Thursday, 17 July 2014

Well after much tearing out of hair, not too mention all the newly acquired grey ones I think I have a new blog. Just a wee extra one for just the paintings. I know they can get swallowed up on here with all the other photos and quotes e.t.c I like to share. So if you ever just want to look at the art you will find it at Elizabeth McCrindle From The Easel http://elizabethmccrindle-fromtheeasel.blogspot.co.uk
I've already added a few oldies to get it started. Hope you'll follow along with it and don't be scared to say hello....time now I think for bed :)

Sunday, 13 July 2014

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment
of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that
its fresh young beauty will ever fade." ~Gertrude Jekyll

Saturday, 12 July 2014

Signed this wee one this morning so that's it officially done and dusted. Buddy is now on the payroll as my studio model, no doubt there will be more paintings of him to share. Lilly will be wanting in on the fun to so you can look out for her in future paintings...smile!

Friday, 11 July 2014

Nearly done with this one, sometimes knowing when to stop is the hardest part. I'd really like to leave some of the raw linen showing so, just a few more details and flicks and I think I'll be done. Have to say I've enjoyed this one immensely. I think there really is a lot to be said for knowing your subject intimately.....smile!
Weather is unbeliveably warm here (too warm for me) so I might just have the weekend off. Hope you have a lovely weekend where ever you be and whatever the weather...thanks for looking :)

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

The morning spent food shopping, the afternoon in the garden. Digging up more of the lawn to make way for more plants that I can't seem to resist. I did think about doing a bit more of one of the paintings waiting in line. But, I only got as far as thinking, I'm now sitting back in the chair in the studio. The desk and chair now sit next to the window, so I'm leaning back getting a slight breeze from the window and watching the sky get darker, so soothing. I'll read for a little before bed then dream of creating a masterpiece tomorrow. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite....smile!

Sunday, 6 July 2014

Busy day today working in the garden and catching up with some housework....I know I was amazed too. Was just about ready for bed when I made the fatal mistake of popping into the studio. Before I knew it I was putting paint on the palette and having a go at the wee pom study I started a couple of days ago. Sorry for the grainy photo not sure I'm all that happy with these primed linen panels but I'll carry on now I've started with this one. It could off course look much better in the morning will just have to wait and see. That said I'm happy to be painting....smile!
Hope y'all have had a great weekend and are ready for a brand new week.

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Wishing all my friends across the pond a Happy 4th of July from here in Bonnie Scotland :)

"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it
must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving
roots, it will wither and die." ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

Felt a little rusty doing this wee seascape this morning but pleased enough with the end result....it really does look much better in the flesh....smile! Once again I'm reminded that the only way to improve or at least keep a high standard is to create daily. In fact one of my FB friends put something on her profile the other day that caught my eye. Can't remember the whole list but it ended with.....Create Every Day. Even If It's All Garbage, You Can't Improve On A Blank Canvas!

Well before the afternoon completely disappears I'll get back the one I started yesterday starring Buddy...smile!

Wednesday, 2 July 2014

Just a wee doodle today. Making use of my very own free to use (well he expects the odd treat thrown in now and again) model Buddy. Starting with an acrylic wash using just french ultramarine and burnt sienna, on a clear gessoed linen panel. Really just messing around doing something....anything other than nothing. We will just have to wait and see how it pans out......
Thanks for popping in...smile!